§ Colonel GREIGasked the Secretary of State for War how many horses are now 53W boarded out under the Army scheme for that purpose; how many veterinary officers have the duty of inspection of these horses; whether these posts are filled by officers who have been overseas during the War or not; and will he take steps to ensure that as far as possible these posts are filled by such officers?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of horses boarded out under the scheme is approximately 15,000. No veterinary officers are employed to inspect them other than the administrative veterinary officers of the commands in which the animals are located. All of these officers have served abroad. Veterinary treatment is provided by annual contracts with civilian practitioners. At present 447 of these are employed, 40 per cent. of whom served overseas during the War. Every effort is made to secure, wherever possible, that the first opportunity of taking a contract for the treatment of boarded-out horses in any locality is given to local practitioners demobilised from the Army.